National deep freeze affects local blood supply

RIVERSIDE – Southern California may be one or more time zones away from freezing conditions that blanket much of the country, but catastrophic weather elsewhere is having a negative effect on local blood supply.

LifeStream, as a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), participates with fellow blood banks in a shared-resources program whereby members can

assist with blood needs of other members.

But due to horrific weather conditions, many ABC banks are closed, and LifeStream cannot turn to them for assistance for critical local needs.

The only way to ensure local hospitals and their patients are provided needed blood products is for members of the community to come forward and donate.